Iran cut enriched uranium stockpile by 80% – IAEA

Iran is fulfilling its obligations under the nuclear deal with the six-world powers, having curbed its stockpile of higher-grade enriched uranium gas by more than 80 percent, a quarterly report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said.

Most of the 209
kilograms of Tehran’s enriched uranium were either converted or
diluted to less proliferation-prone forms, the document
said.

It leaves Iran with just 39 kilograms of the material, which is
miles away from the 250 kilograms which, the experts say, are
needed to create a single nuclear bomb.

The report also revealed that Iran managed to provide the IAEA
with information proving that it tested the so-called Exploding
Bridge Wire (EBW) detonators, commonly used in nuclear arms, for
civilian purposes.

“The agency’s assessment of the information provided by Iran
is ongoing,” the report by the UN’s nuclear watchdog is
cited by Reuters.

The moves came under the interim deal that the Iranian
authorities signed with the six world powers on January 20.

They agreed to halt some aspects of its controversial nuclear
program in exchange for a limited relief of international
sanctions against the country.

Under new president Hassan Rouhani, who was elected last year,
Iran is making steps to counter Western concerns that it’s trying
to develop the capability to produce nuclear weapons.

The IAEA report also outlined Tehran’s willingness to cooperate
with the investigation into its nuclear related work.

"This is the first time that Iran has engaged in a technical
exchange with the agency on this or any other of the outstanding
issues related to possible military dimensions to Iran's nuclear
program since 2008," the document stressed.

However, the IAEA remains concerned that Iran may possibly have
undeclared military activities in the nuclear sphere.

The agency continues to insist on the opportunity to visit
Parchin military complex, located about 30 kilometers southeast
of Tehran.

According to the report, satellite surveillance has revealed that
there’s been construction underway at the facility for the last
three months.

During talks in Tehran this week, Iran has promised the IAEA to
comply with five new transparency measures concerning its nuclear
program.

Despite having the same aim, Iran’s talks with the IAEA go on
separately from its negotiations with the six world powers.

It’s planned that Tehran will reach a final deal with the UK,
China, France, Germany, Russia, and the US by July 20.

However, there are doubts that the deadline would be met after
the latest round of talks last week proved fruitless.